Where can I find info regarding housing for swine and poultry that meets organic rules & regs?
–Ray Poli The NOS requires that producers establish and maintain livestock living conditions which accommodate the health and natural behavior of animals, including: • Access to the outdoors, shade, shelter, exercise areas, fresh air and direct sunlight suitable to the species, its stage of production, the climate and the environment; • Access to pasture for ruminants; • Appropriate clean, dry bedding. If the bedding is typically consumed by the animal species, it must be organic; and • Shelter designed to allow for: • Natural maintenance, comfort behaviors and opportunity to exercise; • Temperature level, ventilation and air circulation suitable to the species; and • Reduction of potential for livestock injury. You can find good information on livestock housing by visiting www.attra.ncat.org, or by checking out our pig page for great profiles and information on successful pastured hog operations, including details on housing.
